Abu Aly, Cairo

One of several coffee bars in this famous hotel, Abou Aly is distinctive for its elegant Asian terrace. It's a good place to go if you want a quiet drink in an attractive setting, and maybe a puff of shisha (waterpipe). The Asian ambience is pervasive, and you might just forget that you're in the Ritz Carlton. In summer, the terrace is a relaxing place to people watch, while in winter it is enclosed and dressed up like a Bedouin tent. A singer entertains in the evenings. The menu is small on snacks, but has several good traditional dessert options. Tea, coffee, soft drinks and alcohol are served at moderate prices. Rich apple-flavored shisha is available, and the attendants vigilantly watch the coals. No alcohol is served during Ramadan.